CVE-2010-4107 in LaserJet MFP
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the PJL Access value in the File System External Access settings on HP LaserJet MFP printers, Color LaserJet MFP printers, and LaserJet 4100, 4200, 4300, 5100, 8150, and 9000 printers enables PJL commands that use the device s filesystem, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a command inside a print job, as demonstrated by a directory traversal attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4107 represents a critical security flaw in HP LaserJet multifunction printers and specific laserjet models that exposes the device's filesystem through improperly configured PJL (Printer Job Language) access controls. This weakness stems from the default configuration of the File System External Access settings where PJL commands are enabled to interact with the printer's internal storage system. The flaw creates an unauthorized access vector that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary file reading operations without proper authentication, effectively bypassing the printer's security boundaries and exposing sensitive data stored within the device's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the PJL command processing capabilities that are typically used for printer configuration and job management. When a printer receives a print job containing specially crafted PJL commands, these commands can traverse the device's filesystem and access files that should normally be protected from external access. This directory traversal capability enables attackers to read sensitive information including configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and potentially other confidential data stored on the printer's internal storage. The vulnerability exists because the default security settings do not properly restrict filesystem access for external commands, allowing unrestricted read operations that can be triggered through print job submissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4107 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within network environments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the printer's internal structure, discover other networked devices, and potentially extract authentication credentials or configuration details that could be used for further attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where printers are often connected to internal networks and may contain sensitive data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through several defensive measures that align with established security frameworks including the MITRE ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and credential access. The primary mitigation involves configuring the printer's File System External Access settings to disable or restrict PJL commands that access the filesystem, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can submit print jobs containing such commands. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate printer devices from critical network segments, while regular security audits should verify that default configurations have been properly modified. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous print job patterns or unauthorized filesystem access attempts provides early warning capabilities. The remediation process should follow security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, ensuring that printer security configurations are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain appropriate access controls and prevent unauthorized file system access through PJL command injection attacks.